Palm & Cheese: A healthy Mac & Cheese Substitute

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that’s creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly light, this Hearts of Palm Bake is about to become your new favorite. Hearts of palm have a tender, artichoke-like texture that pairs perfectly with a rich, homemade cheese sauce—think of it as a healthier, lower-carb twist on classic baked dips or gratins.

This recipe uses clean, organic ingredients (where possible) and comes together quickly. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The best part? It bakes up bubbly and golden, with that irresistible cheesy top everyone fights over!

Ingredients (Serves 4–6 as a side)
2 jars hearts of palm (drained)
1 cup organic shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup organic butter
¼ cup organic chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
3 Tbsp organic cream cheese
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional shredded cheese for topping (about 1 cup recommended)

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Reduce the heat to low-medium and stir in the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and velvety. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Drain the hearts of palm and slice them into ¼-inch discs. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the slices for 5–7 minutes until tender. Drain well.

4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the drained hearts of palm discs in a medium baking dish. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish.

5. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

6. Enjoy!